RATE
posTAgE
INCREAsE
ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE 2012 USPS
Eective January 22, 2012, the U.S. Postal Service
®
will raise postage
rates for letter mail classes by an average of 2.1% and shipping services
by an average of 4.6%. Private carriers such as UPS and FedEx are also
increasing rates by 4.9% and 5.9% respectively, leaving the USPS as the
cost-eective leader for all your mailing and shipping needs.
New USPS Shipping Products and Services for 2012
• A new, larger Priority Mail Regional Rate Box C will hold up to 25 pounds and have 15" x 12" x 12" dimensions.
• A new Express Mail Flat Rate Box will hold up to 70 pounds and cost $39.95 for domestic mailings.
• First-Class Package Service (formerly known as First-Class Mail Parcels) will include the Intelligent Mail® Package Barcode to
provide visibility of these packages for free.
• Package Intercept will be introduced for commercial mailers. Customers can request mail be intercepted before nal delivery
is attempted to the initial delivery address. The shipment can be returned to sender, held for pick up at a Post Oce™, or
redirected to an alternate address.
Listed below are the 2012 USPS Commercial Base (online postage) prices by mail class.
What’s new?
Mail Class 2012 Price 2011 Price Increase Average % Increase
First-Class Letters - 1 oz. $0.45 $0.44 $0.01 2.30%
First-Class Letters - Additional Ounces $0.20 $0.20 $0.00 0.00%
First-Class Flat/Large Envelope - 1 oz. $0.90 $0.88 $0.02 2.30%
First-Class Flat/Large Envelope - Additional Ounces $0.20 $0.20 $0.00 0.00%
Postcards $0.32 $0.29 $0.03 10.30%
Express Mail - 0.5 lb. $12.85 & up $12.96 & up -$0.09 & up -3.90%
Priority Mail - 1 lb. $4.90 & up $4.80 & up +$0.10 & up 3.00%
First-Class Package Service - 1 oz. $1.64 $1.56 $0.08 3.70%
Media Mail - 1 lb. $2.47 $2.41 $0.06 2.60%
Parcel Post - 1 lb. $5.20 & up $5.10 & up +$0.10 & up 2.50%
Global Express Guaranteed - 0.5 lb. $44.00 & up $35.50 & up +$8.50 & up 6.00%
Express Mail International - 0.5 lb. $26.91 & up $24.79 & up +$2.12 & up 11.60%
Priority Mail International - 1 lb. $22.09 & up $20.19 & up +$0.90 & up 8.70%
First-Class Mail International - 1 lb. $5.75 & up $5.58 & up +$0.17 & up 4.60%
Regional Rate Box C Express Mail Flat Rate Box
Express Mail is the fastest service oered by the USPS and it provides regular
and overnight delivery to most U.S. addresses, including P.O. Boxes. Oers
delivery in 1–2 days in the U.S. with a maximum weight of 70 pounds.
When to use Express Mail
Use Express Mail when you need a mailpiece delivered as fast as possible,
regardless of price.
2012 Postage Rate Increase for Online Postage
• New! The Express Mail Flat Rate Box will be priced at $39.95 with a maximum weight of 70 pounds.
• For the purchase of Express Mail postage online, the maximum discount o retail rates will increase to 62%.
Pros
• Two price options—Flat Rate and by weight/distance
• Money-back guarantee*
• Includes Free Package Pickup™ at your door, $100 in
insurance, signature conrmation and delivery status info
with the USPS Track & Conrm tool
• Delivery 365 days per year
• USPS provides free labels, envelopes and boxes
• Only USPS service with date-specic delivery
• No Saturday delivery charges or fuel and residential
surcharges
• Up to 62% discount for buying postage online
Cons
• Most expensive USPS Mail Class
Express Mail
®
Post Oce/Retail postage rates Stamps.com postage rates
Packages 2012 2011 2012 2011
Express Mail Flat Rate Envelope $18.95 $18.30 $17.75 $17.40
Express Mail Flat Rate Legal Envelope $18.95 $18.30 $17.75 $17.40
Express Mail Flat Rate Box $39.95 N/A $39.95 N/A
Express Mail (0.5 lb.) $12.95 and up $13.25 and up $12.85 and up $12.96 and up
Express Mail (1 lb.) $14.95 and up $15.25 and up $14.85 and up $14.89 and up
Express Mail (2 lb.) $17.40 and up $16.55 and up $15.30 and up $16.19 and up
Express Mail (3 lb.) $18.50 and up $17.60 and up $15.65 and up $17.18 and up
*Restrictions apply. Visit usps.com for restriction details.
Need more info? Click here to view the USPS Express Mail Rate Table.
Priority Mail is an expedited service that provides delivery anywhere in the
U.S. within 2–3 days. Maximum weight is 70 pounds.
When to use Priority Mail
Use Priority Mail if you are shipping more than 13 ounces, specically if you
want fast delivery for a low price.
2012 Postage Rate Increase for Online Postage
• New! Priority Mail Regional Rate Box C rates will start at $14.44 with a maximum weight of 25 pounds.
• New! Postage for Regional Rate Boxes can now be purchased at the Post Oce for an additional $0.75 fee.
Pros
• Three price options—Flat Rate, Regional Rate and by
weight/distance
• Priority Mail Flat Rate is ideal for heavy packages as you only
pay one rate
• Free Delivery Conrmation for online postage customers
• Includes Free Package Pickup and shipping supplies
• No Saturday delivery charges or fuel and residential
surcharges
• Up to 15% discount for buying postage online
Cons
• More expensive than other low-cost USPS mail classes
• Less expensive options, like First-Class Mail, may be equally
as fast
Priority Mail
®
Post Oce/Retail postage rates Stamps.com postage rates
Packages 2012 2011 2012 2011
Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope $5.15 $4.95 $4.90 $4.75
Priority Mail Padded Flat Rate Envelope $5.30 $4.95 $5.10 $4.95
Priority Mail Flat Rate Legal Envelope $5.30 $4.95 $5.10 $4.95
Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box $5.35 $5.20 $5.15 $5.00
Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Box $11.35 $10.95 $10.85 $10.50
Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box $15.45 $14.95 $14.65 $14.20
Priority Mail APO/FPO/DPO Large Flat Rate Box $13.45 $12.95 $12.65 $12.20
Priority Mail Regional Rate Box A $5.79 and up Online only $5.04 and up $4.97 and up
Priority Mail Regional Rate Box B $6.65 and up Online only $5.90 and up $5.81 and up
Priority Mail Regional Rate Box C $15.19 and up N/A $14.44 and up N/A
Priority Mail (1 lb.) $5.20 and up $5.10 and up $4.90 and up $4.80 and up
Priority Mail (2 lb.) $5.30 and up $5.20 and up $5.04 and up $4.97 and up
Priority Mail (3 lb.) $6.05 and up $5.95 and up $5.24 and up $5.16 and up
Need more info? Click here to view the USPS Priority Mail Rate Table.
First-Class Mail is a service that delivers envelopes weighing up to 13 ounces, making
it ideal and cost eective for letters, bills, large envelopes, and postcards. Oers
delivery in 1–3 days in the U.S.
When to use First-Class Mail
Use First-Class Mail if your mailpiece is less than 13 ounces and you don’t require
overnight delivery or Delivery Conrmation.
2012 Postage Rate Increase
• First-Class Letter (1 oz.) rate will increase one cent from $0.44 to $0.45. Each additional ounce will cost an extra $0.20 (no change).
• First-Class Flats/Large Envelopes (1 oz.) rates will increase two cents from $0.88 to $0.90. Each additional ounce will cost an
extra $0.20 (no change).
• Postcard rates will increase three cents from $0.29 to $0.32.
Pros
• Fast delivery anywhere across the U.S. in 1–3 days
• Rates not aected by distance
• No Saturday delivery charges or fuel and residential
surcharges
Cons
• Maximum weight of only 3.5 ounces for letters
• Maximum weight of only 13 ounces for at/large envelope
• First-Class Mail letters and ats are not eligible for Delivery
Conrmation
First-Class Mail (Letters, Large Envelopes & Postcards)
Post Oce/Retail postage rates
Packages 2012 2011 Increase
First-Class Mail Letter (1 oz.) $0.45 $0.44 $0.01
First-Class Mail Letter - each additional ounce $0.20 $0.20 $0.00
First-Class Mail Flat/Large Envelope (1 oz.) $0.90 $0.88 $0.02
First-Class Mail Flat/Large Envelope - each additional ounce $0.20 $0.20 $0.00
Postcard $0.32 $0.29 $0.03
Avoid Non-Machinable Items
Some mailpieces require additional postage because their shape or size makes it dicult for the USPS to process with
mail sorting machines. These hard-to-process mailpieces, also known as non-machinable items, cost you more than
standard size mailpieces. Here’s what to avoid:
• Square envelopes
• Envelopes that are not exible
• Shipments with uneven thickness (for example, an envelope containing a pen)
• Envelopes with a clasp or string closure device
TIP
Need more info? Click here to view the USPS First-Class Mail Rate Table.
First-Class Package Service (formerly known as First-Class Mail Parcels) is a fast,
aordable delivery service for packages weighing up to 13 ounces. Oers approximate
3-day delivery in the U.S.
When to use First-Class Package Service
Use First-Class Package Service if your package is 13 ounces or less.
2012 Postage Rate Increase for Online Postage
• First-Class Package Service rates will start at $1.64 (previously $1.56).
• Delivery Conrmation will be oered for free with the addition of the Intelligent Mail Package Barcode.
Pros
• Oers signicant savings over Priority Mail or Express Mail
for packages weighing 13 ounces or less
• Delivery within 3 days in most cases
• Best-priced USPS service for packages up to 13 ounces
• Includes free delivery conrmation
• Up to 15% discount for online postage customers
Cons
• Limited to packages weighing 13 ounces or less
First-Class Package Service (Parcels)
Post Oce/Retail postage rates Stamps.com postage rates
Packages 2012 2011 2012 2011
First-Class Package Service (1 oz.) $1.95 $1.71 $1.64 $1.56
First-Class Package Service (2 oz.) $1.95 $1.71 $1.64 $1.56
First-Class Package Service (3 oz.) $1.95 $1.71 $1.64 $1.56
First-Class Package Service (4 oz.) $2.12 $1.88 $1.81 $1.73
First-Class Package Service (5 oz.) $2.29 $2.05 $1.98 $1.90
Use First-Class Package Service for Small Parcels
If you are sending a small package under 13 ounces, the cheapest, quickest way to track and ship it is with First-Class
Package Service. The service typically provides next-day delivery to local destinations and will feature the Intelligent
Mail Package Barcode.
TIP
Need more info? Click here to view the USPS First-Class Package Service Rate Table.
Media Mail is a service restricted to the delivery of books, lm, audio and other recorded
media. Oers U.S. delivery within 2–8 days, depending on destination. Maximum weight of
70 pounds.
When to use Media Mail
Use Media Mail if you’re sending media-specic items as dened by the USPS and longer
transit times are acceptable.
2012 Postage Rate Increase
• Media Mail rates will start at $2.47 (previously $2.41).
Pros
• Cheapest service for anything over 13 ounces
• Intended and ideal for educational materials
• Pricing is based on weight, not distance
• No Saturday delivery charges or fuel and
residential surcharges
Cons
• Much slower than most other mail classes
• Limited to books, sound recordings, recorded video tapes,
printed music, or recorded computer-readable media (such
as CDs, DVDs, and diskettes)
• Packages could be opened by USPS employees to verify
contents meet Media Mail restrictions
Media Mail
Post Oce/Retail postage rates
Packages 2012 2011 Increase
Media Mail (1 lb.) $2.47 $2.41 $0.06
Media Mail (2 lb.) $2.89 $2.82 $0.07
Media Mail (3 lb.) $3.31 $3.23 $0.08
Media Mail (4 lb.) $3.73 $3.64 $0.09
Media Mail (5 lb.) $4.15 $4.05 $0.10
Use Media Mail for Eligible Items
If you regularly send books, CDs or DVDs, Media Mail is a cost-eective mail service. Rates are based on the weight
and size of your mail piece, not the distance to the destination. This makes Media Mail particularly valuable for
packages being sent long distances. You can save big if your mail qualies.
TIP
Need more info? Click here to view the USPS Media Mail Rate Table.
Parcel Post is a low-cost ground service for the delivery of packages and the sole mail class
for the largest of shipments with dimensions ranging from 108"–130". Price is determined
by distance, weight and dimensions of the mailpiece. Oers U.S. delivery within 2–8 days,
depending on destination. Maximum weight is 70 pounds.
When to use Parcel Post
Use Parcel Post if your shipment is ineligible for Media Mail, low shipping rates are more
important than speed, and your package weighs over 10 pounds.
2012 Postage Rate Increase
• Parcel Post rates will start at $5.20 (previously $5.10).
Pros
• Delivery in 2–8 days
• An economical way to send packages
• Ships larger packages that are too big for Express Mail and
Priority Mail
• Priced lower than Priority Mail and Express Mail
• Oers cost savings for packages over 10 pounds
Cons
• Much slower than most other mail classes
Parcel Post
Post Oce/Retail postage rates
Packages 2012 2011 Increase
Parcel Post (1 lb.) — zones 1 and 2 $5.20 and up $5.10 and up $0.10 and up
Parcel Post (2 lb.) — zones 1 and 2 $5.30 and up $5.15 and up $0.15 and up
Parcel Post (3 lb.) — zones 1 and 2 $5.75 and up $5.65 and up $0.10 and up
Parcel Post (4 lb.) — zones 1 and 2 $6.17 and up $6.10 and up $0.07 and up
Parcel Post (5 lb.) — zones 1 and 2 $7.29 and up $7.23 and up $0.06 and up
Use Parcel Post to Save on Heavy Items
When cost savings are all-important, Parcel Post is your best option for shipping heavy items. You can save up to 50%
compared to Priority Mail rates and ship packages that measure up to 130" in length and girth.
TIP
Need more info? Click here to view the USPS Parcel Post Rate Table.
Global Express Guaranteed is the USPS’ fastest international service that oers
date-specic delivery in 1–3 business days* to over 190 countries. Transportation
and delivery is managed by FedEx Express. Maximum package weight is
70 pounds.
When to use Global Express Guaranteed
Global Express Guaranteed is the only USPS option if you need a package
delivered internationally within 1–3 business days.
2012 Postage Rate Increase for Online Postage
• Global Express Guaranteed rates will start at $44.00 (previously $35.50).
Pros
• Delivery abroad in 1–3 business days*
• Money-back guarantee** to virtually all international
destinations serviced by the USPS
• Free Package Pickup at your door
• Includes $100 in insurance coverage and delivery tracking
info with the USPS Track & Conrm tool
Cons
• Most expensive USPS international mail class
• Dimension limitations
• Select countries have weight restrictions on shipments that
could be lower than 70 pounds
Global Express Guaranteed
®
Post Oce/Retail postage rates Stamps.com postage rates
Packages 2012 2011 2012 2011
Global Express Guaranteed (0.5 lb.) $44.00 and up $35.50 and up $44.00 and up $31.95 and up
Global Express Guaranteed (1 lb.) $63.35 and up $55.50 and up $59.52 and up $49.95 and up
Global Express Guaranteed (2 lb.) $67.80 and up $59.75 and up $63.05 and up $53.78 and up
Global Express Guaranteed (3 lb.) $72.25 and up $64.00 and up $67.57 and up $57.60 and up
*For many major markets. Average number of days may vary.
** Some restrictions apply. Visit usps.com for restriction details.
Need more info? Click here to view the USPS Global Express Guaranteed Rate Table.
Priority Mail International is an international, cost-eective service that delivers
mailpieces and packages weighing up to 70 pounds to over 190 countries. Oers
international delivery in 6–10 days.
When to use Priority Mail International
Use Priority Mail International if you have time-sensitive shipments that must be
delivered in 6–10 business days.
2012 Postage Rate Increase for Online Postage
• Priority Mail International rates will start at $22.09 (previously $20.19).
• Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelopes will start at $22.09 (previously $20.19).
• Rates for Priority Mail International Flat Rate Boxes will start at $22.09 (previously $20.19).
Pros
• Delivery in 6–10 days
• Two aordable price options—Flat Rate or by weight/
distance
• Includes delivery info with the USPS Track & Conrm tool
• Free Package Pickup™ at your door
• Up to 5% discount for online postage customers
Cons
• More expensive than First-Class Mail International
Priority Mail International
Post Oce/Retail postage rates Stamps.com postage rates
Packages 2012 2011 2012 2011
Priority Mail Intl (1 lb.) $23.25 and up $21.25 and up $22.09 and up $20.19 and up
Priority Mail Intl (2 lb.) $25.80 and up $23.10 and up $24.51 and up $21.95 and up
Priority Mail Intl (3 lb.) $28.35 and up $24.95 and up $26.93 and up $23.70 and up
Priority Mail Intl Flat Rate Envelopes - Mexico & Canada $12.95 $11.95 $12.95 $11.35
Priority Mail Intl Flat Rate Envelopes - Other Countries $16.95 $13.95 $16.95 $13.25
Priority Mail Intl Small Flat Rate Box - Mexico & Canada $12.95 $11.95 $12.95 $11.35
Priority Mail Intl Small Flat Rate Box - Other Countries $16.95 $13.95 $16.95 $13.25
Priority Mail Intl Medium Flat Rate Box - Mexico & Canada $32.95 $27.95 $32.95 $26.55
Priority Mail Intl Medium Flat Rate Box - Other Countries $47.95 $45.50 $47.95 $43.23
Priority Mail Intl Large Flat Rate Box - Mexico & Canada $39.95 $35.50 $39.95 $33.73
Priority Mail Intl Large Flat Rate Box - Other Countries $60.95 $58.50 $60.95 $55.58
Need more info? Click here to view the USPS Priority Mail International Rate Table.
Express Mail International is an international service oering delivery to over
190 countries within 3–5 days. Oers date-specic delivery and a money-back
guarantee when shipping to the following: Australia, China, France (except for
Corsica and Monaco), Hong Kong, Japan, Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Spain
(except for the Canary Islands), South Korea and Singapore. Maximum weight of
70 pounds.
When to use Express Mail International
Use Express Mail International if you have time-sensitive shipments that must be delivered in 3–5 days, specically if the delivery
destination qualies for date-specic delivery and a money-back guarantee.
2012 Postage Rate Increase for Online Postage
• New! Express Mail International Flat Rate Box will cost $59.95 for delivery to Canada and $74.95 for delivery to any
other country.
• Express Mail International rates will start at $26.91 (previously $24.79).
Pros
• Two price options—Flat Rate and by weight/distance
• Date-specic delivery and money-back guarantee for select
countries
• Free Package Pickup at your door
• Includes $100 in insurance, Carrier Pickup™ and delivery
status information with the USPS Track & Conrm tool
• Up to 8% discount for online postage customers
Cons
• More expensive than Priority Mail International or First-Class
Mail International
Express Mail International
®
Post Oce/Retail postage rates Stamps.com postage rates
Packages 2012 2011 2012 2011
Express Mail Intl (0.5 lb.) $29.25 and up $26.95 and up $26.91 and up $24.79 and up
Express Mail Intl (1 lb.) $32.90 and up $32.50 and up $30.27 and up $29.90 and up
Express Mail Intl (2 lb.) $36.85 and up $36.15 and up $33.90 and up $33.26 and up
Express Mail Intl (3 lb.) $40.80 and up $39.80 and up $37.54 and up $36.62 and up
Express Mail Intl Flat Rate Box - Canada $59.95 N/A $59.95 N/A
Express Mail Intl Flat Rate Box - Other Countries $74.95 N/A $74.95 N/A
Express Mail Intl Flat Rate Envelopes - Canada $29.25 $26.95 $29.25 $24.79
Express Mail Intl Flat Rate Envelopes - Other Countries $38.00 $29.95 $38.00 $27.55
Need more info? Click here to view the USPS Express Mail International Rate Table.
First-Class Mail International is the USPS’ most aordable international service for
the delivery of letters, big envelopes and small packages to over 190 countries.
Maximum weight is 4 pounds. Delivery time varies by destination.
When to use First-Class Mail International
Use First-Class Mail International if you are shipping small, inexpensive items
such as books, health and beauty products, clothing, or accessories weighing
under 4 pounds.
2012 Postage Rate Increase
• First-Class Mail International rates for letters will start at $0.85 (previously $0.80).
• First-Class Mail International rates for packages will start at $5.75 (previously $5.58).
Pros
• Most aordable international service
• Delivery time varies by destination
• Ideal for letters, big envelopes and small packages
Cons
• Exact delivery times are unknown and can be in excess of
21 days.
• No delivery conrmation or tracking services
First-Class Mail International
™
Post Oce/Retail postage rates Stamps.com postage rates
Packages 2012 2011 2012 2011
First-Class Mail Intl Packages - Canada (1 lb.) $5.75 $5.58 $5.75 $5.58
First-Class Mail Intl Packages - Mexico (1 lb.) $9.29 $8.95 $9.29 $8.95
First-Class Mail Intl Packages - Asia, Europe, Aus (1 lb.) $11.60 $11.39 $11.60 $11.39
First-Class Mail Intl Packages - Other Countries (1 lb.) $11.26 $10.89 $11.26 $10.89
First-Class Mail Intl Letters - Mexico & Canada (1 oz.) $0.85 $0.80 $0.85 $0.80
First-Class Mail Intl Letters - Other Countries (1 oz.) $1.05 $0.98 $1.05 $0.98
Need more info? Click here to view the USPS First-Class Mail International Rate Table.
USPS Special Services
Post Oce/Retail postage rates Stamps.com postage rates
Special Services Description 2012 2011 2012 2011
Certied Mail
Provides proof of mailing at time of mailing and the
date and time of delivery or attempted delivery.
Purchasing Certied Mail service allows customers to
then purchase Restricted Delivery service or a Return
Receipt.
$2.95 $2.85 $2.95 $2.85
Registered Mail
Provides the sender with a mailing receipt and, upon
request, electronic verication that an article was
delivered. The most secure service that the USPS oers.
$10.95 and up $10.75 and up $10.95 and up $10.75 and up
Delivery Conrmation
Provides the mailer with information about the date
and time an article was delivered. This service is FREE
on Priority Mail packages when you use Stamps.com.
$0.75 and up $0.70 and up $0.19 $0.19
Signature Conrmation
Provides the date and time of delivery or attempted
delivery and the name of the person who signed for
the item.
$2.55 $2.45 $2.10 $2.05
Collect on Delivery
Provides ability to mail an article for which the mailer
has not been paid and have its price and the cost of
the postage collected from the recipient. The recipient
has the option to pay the charges using either cash or
check.
$5.90 and up $5.75 and up $5.90 and up $5.75 and up
Return Receipt
(at time of mailing)
Provides a mailer with evidence of delivery (to whom
the mail was delivered and date of delivery), along
with information about the recipient’s actual delivery
address. Choose from a return receipt by mail or
electronically.
$2.35 $2.30 $1.15 $1.15
Restricted Delivery
Restricted Delivery service ensures that only a specied
person will receive a piece of mail. This service is only
available if you also purchase Certied Mail, Insured
Mail, COD, or Registered Mail.
$4.55 $4.50 $4.55 $4.50